Soweto Quartet for classical show

The Kenyan Classical Music Fusion may be the key to popularising a genre whose potential has long been understated, write Ferdinand Mwongela and Emmanuel Mwendwa

The world-famous Soweto String Quartet (SSQ) is set to headline the Safaricom Classical Fusion with performances in Nairobi and Mombasa.

In its first ever performance in Kenya, the award-winning South African group will join Eric Wainaina, Kenyan-born Norway-based opera singer Rhoda Ondeng Wilhelmsen and a list of talented musicians onstage in three separate shows.

Although classical music events have always been held locally in up market venues, turnout has been poor, mostly due to the perception that the genre is a preserve for rich Kenyans and foreigners. Its appeal has, however, been growing.

With affordable entry fees, the Safaricom events aim to not only boost and demystify classical mu sic but also promote and showcase local talent.

The first show will be on September 22 in Mombasa at the Great Lake, Butterfly Pavillion in Haller Park. SSQ and Eric will be the main acts. From the Coast, the action moves to the capital for two shows.

Soweto Quartet

On September 24, Rhoda joins the South Africans in a performance at the Nairobi Arboretum whose ticket includes dinner. The Grand Concert comes two days later at the Impala Grounds with over 400 performers set to showcase their talent alongside the star attractions.

LIve show

This final show will be broadcast live on KTN and on www.safaricom.co.ke, between 2pm and 6pm.

On the cards for this joint gig are Classical Fusion regulars Elizabeth Njoroge, Sylvester Makobi, the Nairobi Orchestra, Grace Nangabo, Strathmore Chorale, Kenya Conservatoire of Music, Safaricom Choir and African Nazarene Choir.

Also joining SSQ on stage will be the Nairobi Chamber Chorus, Amy Poole, Bill Rowe, Atigala Luvai and Diptoo Chakarabati among others.

Enthusiasts and audiences are bound to savour a repertoire of Kenyan classical music, spiced up with an arguably polished touch credited to the globally renowned South Africans.

Show-stopper

SSQ, which came into the limelight in the 1980s, is expected to arrive on September 19. Apart from the shows, the Sowetans will participate in workshops planned to share and enhance skills among classical music performers.

The group is made up of Reuben Khamese, Makhosini Mnguni, Sandile Khemese and Thami Khemese. The quartet has a special connection with former South African President Nelson Mandela after it performed at his inauguration. Its music is a fusion of styles, instrumentation and flair.

Eric Wainaina, the other key attraction, is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee College, US. He has long established himself as a musician of repute with his unique style and conscious lyrics.

Norway-based Rhoda, is a soprano who can hold her own among the world’s best. She is credited for giving a cross-cultural perspective through her performances of classical and traditional African music. She says her most cherished honour was singing at the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony for Wangari Maathai in Oslo, Norway.

Rhoda, who regularly conducts vocal seminars in Nairobi, sees the Safaricom Classic Fusion as an opportunity to spot and inspire younger talented musicians.

growing attraction

Of equal significance is that classical music is fast gaining currency in local entertainment circles on the back of consistent concerts over several decades by the Nairobi Music Society (NMS) and Nairobi Orchestra.

These independent performing groups have jointly contributed immensely to the development and growth of classical music for over half a century.

Whereas NMS celebrated its 70th anniversary, the Nairobi Orchestra marked 60 years of concerts in 2008, blazing the trail of classical performances and recitals.

The Classical Fusion series growing popularity is undeniably a culmination of collective effort accruing as the fruits of hard work in a marriage of classical songs and traditional choral and orchestral pieces.

But the SSQ performance is significantly bound to raise the bar locally, more so for upcoming individual artistes or groups yet to learn the ropes of how to incorporate indigenous elements within largely foreign-inspired classical set pieces.

The Classical Fusion, the brainchild of outgoing Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph, is also sponsored by Huawei and KTN among others.